What You Need to Know About Key Car Replacement
The loss of your car key can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Luckily, there are several options for key car replacement to help you get back on the road.
You can also visit the dealer. This is the most expensive option however you will receive a working key and fob.
What's the cost?
The cost of key car replacement varies depending on the year, make and model of your car. Some newer vehicles have transponder chips in the keys that need to be paired with the vehicle by a dealer or auto locksmith before they operate, and this may increase the cost of replacement. The type of key also plays a part in the price. Some older mechanical keys can be replaced for a low cost and more advanced smart keys may need to be reprogrammed or even completely rebuilt.
When determining the price the first thing you should consider is the type of key. Mechanical keys are easy and straightforward, and they can be replaced by a local locksmith for less than $50. However, if you own more sophisticated keys that uses a transponder or key fob to open and start your car and start your vehicle, the cost will be much higher. The transponder needs to be connected to the key fob, which requires specialized equipment only available from an auto locksmith or dealership.
Key fobs are remotes with electronic controls that can be used to unlock the doors and start a car. Certain key fobs come with an LCD that displays the condition of your car. These can be a little more expensive than a traditional key, with some costing up to $500.
If you lose your key you'll need it towed to the dealer, and provide the proof of ownership documents. They will then be able to issue you a new key and electronically pair it with your vehicle. This process could take a few days, which can add cost to your bill.
If you have a car warranty that is still in force take a close look at the terms of the warranty to see the coverage offered for lost keys or fobs. For example, some companies offer a breakdown coverage plan that includes a key replacement policy which will pay for the cost of replacing or reprogramming your car's fob key. This is the most efficient way to save money when it comes to unexpected expenses.
What's the Process?
The details of the key car replacement process depend on your specific type of car. If you have a mechanical key that is inserted into the lock, and then turned, the process for key cutters or locksmiths should be relatively easy. Modern keys come with more security and convenience features, which can make them harder to replace.
Some key fobs are so different from traditional metal keys that they require a different key to open the doors and start the engine. These are more difficult to duplicate and could require a professional to program them, which could increase the cost.
Thankfully, the most common way to get an inexpensive key car replacement is by visiting your local auto locksmith. They'll have all the necessary equipment for this task, and they can usually get you on your way in just a few minutes. Additionally, roadside assistance services can assist with this process, however they're usually more expensive.
You can also get a replacement car key at a low cost by contacting your insurance company. Check the terms and conditions of your insurance provider prior to making a decision about this service.
If you have an older model with a traditional metal key, the procedure is quite simple. A key cutter or locksmith will be able to duplicate the original key without much trouble. If, however, your vehicle uses a transponder chip in the key, you'll need to bring it to the dealer for replacement.
The dealership must have your vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as the copy of your driver's license in order to obtain the new key for your car. Then, once they receive the key, they'll have to program it to work with your vehicle. The keyless entry remote must be programmed. This could be a long procedure based on how complicated your vehicle's antitheft device is. Check to see if this service is covered under your warranty or insurance.
What's the Time Frame?
If you have a spare key in case you lose your original key, you can have it replaced immediately. What if you do not have the original key or spare? In that situation, you'll need to contact an auto locksmith or a locksmith dealership.
The dealer will provide you with a programmed key and a new one. The process may take several weeks. It depends on your car's make and model, as well as the type of key you have.
A hardware or locksmith shop can copy mechanical keys that are older. The original key, as well as proof of ownership such a the registration or title of your car will be required.
If you own a brand new car that uses a key fob, you'll have go to the dealer to get it replaced. The dealership has the necessary equipment to do this such as laser cutting machines and programming machines. They'll also be able utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine what kind of key your car uses.
A warranty or other coverage may cover your key fob. Examine your car's warranty, insurance policy auto club membership or roadside assistance coverage to determine whether this is the case.
The Cost of the Replacement Key
If your key has been used for so long that it's beginning to show signs of wear and tear, it could be time for a replacement. This could be visible scratches or rust, or even a sticky key that's difficult to turn.
If your key doesn't work all of a sudden, it could be a sign that it's been compromised by criminals. If this happens it is recommended to replace the key as soon as possible in order to prevent your car from being stolen. It could also be that the key cylinder has been damaged and will need to be replaced by a professional. In this case, you will likely have to pay more for a dealer-level key that is compatible with your car's model.
What is the Alternative?
There are many alternatives to replacing your key however, some of them can be more expensive. For car key replacement near me , a locksmith will typically cost more than the dealership but they'll be faster in getting you back on the road.
It's more expensive to call your local garage. The garage will not have the equipment needed by an auto-locksmith has. They'll need to purchase it from a specialist.
Some companies, such as AutoZone do offer car key replacement services however, they'll use generic keys that don't correspond to the original keys. If you decide to take this route, you'll have to bring along your VIN number to enable them to determine the exact type of key that you require.
Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service and have them tow your vehicle to the dealership to have the keys changed. It could take a while for them to order the key you require. You can also try to file a claim with the insurance company that covers your car however, this will generally be more expensive and come with an upper limit on the number of times you can file a claim for the coverage for.
Contacting a locksmith for your car is the best method to get a new key for your vehicle. They'll have the specialized key coding equipment to replace your fob and will usually charge a lot less than the dealer. They are also able to complete the job faster, which is great for those in a hurry. Another option is to call an emergency roadside service company, but this can be costly and you might be waiting for some time before they send someone to you.